Ever wandered through the woods and spotted those stunning bright orange and yellow shelves growing on trees? That’s Chicken of the Woods – one of the most sought-after wild mushrooms by foragers everywhere! I’ve been hunting these beauties for years, and let me tell you, knowing which trees to look for can make all the difference between coming home empty-handed or with a basket full of these delicious fungi.
What is Chicken of the Woods?
Chicken of the Woods (scientifically known as Laetiporus sulphureus and related species) is a vibrant yellow to orange polypore mushroom that grows directly on wood. Its name comes from its texture and flavor that many people say resembles chicken meat when cooked – making it super popular for vegetarian dishes!
These eye-catching mushrooms grow in overlapping layers that look like wavy shelves or brackets. They don’t have gills like typical mushrooms – instead, they have tiny pores on their undersides where they produce spores.
The mushroom’s bright colors and distinctive appearance make it relatively easy for even beginner foragers to identify, which is another reason for its popularity.
The Best Trees for Finding Chicken of the Woods
If you’re heading out to forage for Chicken of the Woods knowing which trees to target will dramatically increase your chances of success. Here are the prime candidates
Oak Trees – The Absolute Champion
Oak trees are by far the most reliable host for Chicken of the Woods These mushrooms have a special relationship with oaks, and you’ll find them growing on
- Living oak trees (often appearing from wounds or damaged areas)
- Dead standing oak trees
- Oak stumps and fallen logs
If you’re short on time and want the best odds, head straight for oak forests!
Other Excellent Hardwood Trees
While oak is king, Chicken of the Woods grows on several other deciduous hardwood trees:
- Cherry trees – Another top-tier host that frequently produces these mushrooms
- Beech trees – Particularly common in European forests
- Chestnut trees – Both sweet chestnut and other varieties
- Maple trees – Often produces large, meaty specimens
- Willow trees – Especially in wet, low-lying areas
- Poplar and Aspen – Common hosts in certain regions
- Black locust – Less common but worth checking
- Eucalyptus – Though caution is advised (more on this later)
In my personal experience, cherry trees are second only to oaks for reliable finds, so I always make sure to check them thoroughly during my foraging trips.
Trees to Approach with Caution
Not all Chicken of the Woods are created equal! The host tree actually affects the edibility and safety of these mushrooms. Here are some trees where you should exercise caution:
Conifer Trees – Generally Avoid
While Chicken of the Woods can occasionally grow on conifer trees (like pine, spruce, and fir), most experienced foragers recommend avoiding these specimens. Mushrooms growing on conifers have been associated with:
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal upset
- Bitter or unpleasant flavor
- Potential toxicity issues
The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but it may be related to the fungi absorbing certain compounds from the conifer wood.
Yew Trees – Definite No-Go
Yew trees deserve special mention because they’re highly toxic plants. Some mycologists strongly advise against eating any Chicken of the Woods growing on yew, as there’s concern the mushrooms might absorb the tree’s toxic alkaloids. Why risk it when there are plenty of safer options?
Eucalyptus – Proceed with Caution
Chicken of the Woods growing on eucalyptus trees has been linked to severe stomach upset in some people. If you do harvest from eucalyptus, it’s extra important to thoroughly cook the mushrooms and perhaps try just a small amount first to test your reaction.
Where and When to Find Chicken of the Woods
These mushrooms typically grow from spring through fall, with peak season varying by region. They love humid, low-lying areas with cool temperatures – perfect conditions for fungal growth.
Once you find a productive tree, mark it on your map or GPS! Chicken of the Woods will often return to the same tree year after year until the wood is fully decomposed. I’ve got several “honey hole” trees that I check every season, and they rarely disappoint.
After heavy rains is an especially good time to go hunting, as the increased moisture often triggers fruiting.
How Chicken of the Woods Interacts with Trees
Understanding how these mushrooms interact with trees helps explain where to find them:
Chicken of the Woods is both parasitic and saprophytic:
- As a parasite, it infects living trees through wounds in bark or roots
- It causes “brown rot” by breaking down cellulose in the wood
- This weakens the tree’s heartwood over time
- As a saprophyte, it continues decomposing dead wood
- The visible mushrooms are just the fruiting bodies – the mycelium (fungal network) lives inside the tree
The presence of these mushrooms often signals that a tree has significant internal decay. That’s why you’ll frequently find them on injured, dying or dead trees.
Harvesting Tips for the Best Quality
When you do find Chicken of the Woods, timing is everything for the best culinary experience:
- Harvest when young and vibrant – bright colors and a firm, slightly spongy texture indicate prime specimens
- Look for brackets less than 8 inches across with moist flesh
- The best mushrooms will have a pleasant mushroomy smell
- When pressed, fresh specimens should exude a yellowish liquid
- Use a sharp knife to harvest (don’t pull!) to minimize damage to the tree
- Only take what you can use – leave some to produce spores
The mushrooms grow quickly and can become tough and woody within just 2-3 days, so if you find young ones, either harvest them immediately or return the next day.
Can You Grow Chicken of the Woods at Home?
Yes! While not as easy as growing oyster or shiitake mushrooms, it’s definitely possible to grow Chicken of the Woods at home:
- Outdoor log cultivation: The easiest method – inoculate hardwood logs (preferably oak) with plug spawn or sawdust spawn
- Indoor cultivation: More challenging and takes longer, but possible on sawdust blocks for experienced growers
Just be patient! It typically takes 6 months to a year from inoculation to your first harvest, but then the logs will produce for another 3-5 years.
Culinary Uses and Storage
Once you’ve got your Chicken of the Woods, here’s what to do with them:
Cooking Ideas
- Sauté with garlic, shallots and herbs
- Use as a chicken substitute in almost any recipe
- Try breading and frying for “vegetarian fried chicken”
- Add to pasta dishes, curries, risottos
- Incorporate into egg dishes like quiches and frittatas
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store unwashed in a paper bag for 7-10 days
- Freeze: Unlike many mushrooms, Chicken of the Woods freezes well raw
- Dry: Slice and dehydrate for long-term storage (great for soups and stews)
- Powder: Dried mushrooms can be ground into powder for seasoning
Health Benefits and Nutrition
These mushrooms aren’t just tasty – they’re nutritional powerhouses too:
- High in protein (about 21g per 100g serving)
- Low in fat (only about 2g per 100g)
- Good source of dietary fiber (6g per 100g)
- Contains potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A
- Has compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Safety Considerations
While Chicken of the Woods is generally considered safe and delicious, there are a few important safety notes:
- Always cook thoroughly – never eat raw
- If it’s your first time, try a small amount to check for allergic reactions
- Pay attention to the host tree (as discussed earlier)
- Harvest only fresh, young specimens
- Make 100% sure of your identification – while there are few dangerous look-alikes, mistaken identity with any mushroom can be dangerous
Final Thoughts
Knowing which trees Chicken of the Woods prefers is essential knowledge for any mushroom hunter. To recap the best trees to check:
- Oak (the absolute best)
- Cherry
- Beech
- Chestnut
- Maple
- Willow
And remember to avoid or use caution with specimens growing on:
- Conifers
- Yew
- Eucalyptus
Happy foraging, and remember – when in doubt, don’t put it in your mouth! It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to wild mushrooms.
Where to Buy Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms
If the thought of finding and identifying chicken of the woods mushrooms in the wild is intimidating, don’t worry.
Chicken of the woods mushrooms are sought after, and in many places, you’ll find fresh chicken of the woods at local farmer’s markets or specialty food stores.
Some CSA projects also offer foraged or homegrown mushrooms as part of their weekly food parcel and may include chicken of the woods.
Can You Eat Chicken of the Woods Mushroom?
Yes, you can eat chicken of the woods, and it gets its name from the fact that its dense fibrous flesh has a texture very similar to cooked chicken.
Chicken Of The Woods On Conifer — Toxic?
FAQ
Can Chicken of the woods grow on oak trees?
Chicken of the woods can be found growing throughout Europe and Eastern North America on standing or felled wood, commonly on the dead or decaying trunks of oak trees. They also grow on matured cherry, sweet chestnut, yew, cedar, willow, and beech trees. Does Chicken of the Woods Grow on Maple Trees?
Where does chicken of the woods grow?
True chicken of the woods is found on mature or dead hardwood trees in Europe and eastern North America, but it is often confused with similar fungi varieties such as Laetiporus gilbertsonii and Laetiporus conifericola, which actually grow in western North America.
Where do Chicken of the woods mushrooms grow?
Choosing the Right Substrate: Chicken of the Woods mushrooms grow naturally on dead or decaying hardwood trees, including oak, cherry, and eucalyptus. When cultivating them, it is essential to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible.
Can Chicken of the woods grow on pine trees?
Chicken of the woods growing on pine should be avoided at all costs as these are coniferous (not deciduous) trees which contain toxins that can become absorbed by the fungi, causing serious gastric upset in humans. Does Chicken of the Woods Actually Taste Like Chicken?
How do you grow chicken of the woods?
To grow chicken of the woods, you’ll need a log or stump from a hardwood tree. Cut the log or stump and inoculate it with chicken of the woods spawn. Keep the log or stump in a shaded and humid area, and water it regularly. The mushroom should start growing within a few months. Where can I get chicken of the woods spawn?
Can you eat chicken of the woods?
Chicken of the woods is considered a safe fungus to eat when cooked thoroughly, but this depends on where it grows. Expert wild food educator Karen Stephenson of the blog Edible Wild Food advises consuming chicken of the woods that “grow on deciduous trees only” such as oak, maple, beech, etc.
What can be mistaken for chicken of the woods?
The primary lookalikes for edible Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are the poisonous Jack o’Lantern mushroom and the toxic cinnamon bracket (Hapalopilus spp.), along with other polypores like Berkeley’s polypore and black-staining polypore. Key differences to look for include the absence of gills on Chicken of the Woods, its bright yellow to orange coloration, and a soft texture, whereas Jack o’Lanterns have gills, the cinnamon bracket is distinctly cinnamon-colored and woody, and other lookalikes may stain or have different textures.
Where should I look for chicken of the woods?
It can often be found in tiered clusters on oak, but also likes beech, chestnut, cherry and even yew.
Can chicken of the woods grow on living trees?
Yes, Chicken of the Woods can grow on both live and dead hardwood trees, but it acts as a parasite on living trees, infecting the heartwood and causing brown rot, slowly weakening the tree. It is most commonly found on dead stumps, logs, and the bases of living trees, especially oaks.
What logs does chicken of the woods grow on?
Chicken of the woods primarily grows on hardwood trees like oak, beech, and cherry, as well as on other hardwoods such as poplar, aspen, and willow. While some species can grow on conifers or other woods like locust and eucalyptus, these are generally different species and may cause a toxic reaction, so it is safest to forage only from hardwood trees, especially oak, which is a favorite.